Been years since I was here but taking new interest in my 2017 4 Runner. Got the oil changed yesterday and service advisor gave me list of needed maintenance items totalling $4400.00. It only has 93,000 miles so I feel like it's nearly new. Had my first in 2003 and put 164,000 miles on it with it never getting anything but oil changed. Traded it when I got the 2017 and it drives as good as the day I bought it.. I HATE the new technology on my 2022 F150 so much that I want to make this 4 Runner last forever. I will not do all the maintenance that was recommended (struts accounted for $3400.00 of that) but since I want to get 300,000 miles on this one I know I should probably plan to do quie a bit of preventative maintenance. My question is other than oil changes and air filter changes what are the most important items?
Maintenance question
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rdruss
Senior Member
If I bought a 4Runner with 93K miles and had no record of past maintenance I would change out ALL the fluids myself: front/rear diffs, T-case, power steer, trans, brakes, coolant. The dealer would probably significantly overcharge you for this and probably not do a good job. Some I would do as successive drain/fills (Trans, power steer, coolant).
weberlukas74
New member
I’d suggest checking your brakes and tires regularly. Proper rotation and alignment can make them last longer and work better.
Remember to change important fluids like transmission, differential, and power steering.
Also, periodic coolant flushes and checks of hoses, radiator, and water pump can help avoid any overheating issues and expensive fixes.
Inspect the condition of drive belts, including the serpentine belt, and replace them if they look worn or cracked. A busted belt can mess with things like the alternator or air conditioning.
And check your battery and its terminals regularly.
Remember to change important fluids like transmission, differential, and power steering.
Also, periodic coolant flushes and checks of hoses, radiator, and water pump can help avoid any overheating issues and expensive fixes.
Inspect the condition of drive belts, including the serpentine belt, and replace them if they look worn or cracked. A busted belt can mess with things like the alternator or air conditioning.
And check your battery and its terminals regularly.
vermontmike
New member
they make plenty of money with their over-inflated, addendum added paper in the window.
Something else: Check the plugs on a regular basis. They can tell you important information about how well the fuel/air mixture is being maintained, and if there's any problems with it.
They also wear down over time, and NEED replacement. ONLY use the recommended replacement plugs, not some expensive, iridium/platinum plug. Don't use anything made for European vehicles. They don't get along with the Japanese systems in our 4Runners.
They can also tell you that the coils and/or plug wires are encountering any problems, which is critical information for you.
Keep an eye on the brake fluid. The darker it gets, the more water it's absorbed, and the less well it will work. It should be replaced at most every 4-5 years, or when it's much darker than can be seen through. Be careful not to let the master cylinder suck air in during the bleeding process. Keep it full to the FULL line, as you bleed it down.
Check any and all the plastic parts in the engine compartment. Over time, they get brittle, and can disintegrate at a touch. Especially things like the hot water control valve.
Keep an eye on the high-current connectors. The alternator, starter, battery, and so forth. Keep the ground points clean and free of corrosion and contamination.
OK, OK, shutting up now...
Pat☺
They also wear down over time, and NEED replacement. ONLY use the recommended replacement plugs, not some expensive, iridium/platinum plug. Don't use anything made for European vehicles. They don't get along with the Japanese systems in our 4Runners.
They can also tell you that the coils and/or plug wires are encountering any problems, which is critical information for you.
Keep an eye on the brake fluid. The darker it gets, the more water it's absorbed, and the less well it will work. It should be replaced at most every 4-5 years, or when it's much darker than can be seen through. Be careful not to let the master cylinder suck air in during the bleeding process. Keep it full to the FULL line, as you bleed it down.
Check any and all the plastic parts in the engine compartment. Over time, they get brittle, and can disintegrate at a touch. Especially things like the hot water control valve.
Keep an eye on the high-current connectors. The alternator, starter, battery, and so forth. Keep the ground points clean and free of corrosion and contamination.
OK, OK, shutting up now...
Pat☺